about

The Christian faith follows a long and sometimes arduous trail. While there is often great joy and inspiration along the way, it can also be full of much hardship and sorrow. Yet, Christ has walked the path that those who follow him are on. Weaving solo chants with instrumental passages in a score that is both ancient and modern with Celtic influences, Jeff Johnson presents music for this great pilgrimage - prayers for the journey full of longing, hope and illumination.

An introduction –
And Jesus said to him, "Go your way; your faith has made you well." And immediately he regained his sight and began following Him on the road. – Mark 10:52 (NAS)

The story of Bartimaeus the beggar, meeting Jesus near Jericho, inspires me deeply every time I read it. The implications behind what happens when Jesus confronts this blind man give each of us who look to God for mercy and faith much to be heartened by and also to ponder.

For here is an individual who exhibits true faith - one who cries out in acknowledgement to the "Son of David" and addresses him as "Rabboni," a word for the most honorable of all people that is found only twice in the entire Biblical account. Christ asks him, "What do you want me to do for you?'' Bartimaeus, a man already with a faith that sees from his heart, asks that his eyes may see, too. Jesus, in great compassion, acquiesces, allowing Bartimaeus to now see his way safely as he follows Christ down the road.

That road happened to lead up to Jerusalem where all of Jesus' friends would abandon him one night in Gethsamane. He would be led away, abused, spit upon, beaten and eventually crucified in the greatest injustice that has ever occurred on the planet.

Yet, the story did not end there and because of that, all those who have been given faith and eyes to see can continue in this journey following our Lord with great hope and anticipation.

This is music for that journey - prayers to help and encourage you along the way.
– Jeff Johnson / The Feast of All Saints, 2008

God’s eyes to look before me,
God’s wisdom to guide me,
God’s way to lie before me,
God’s shield to protect me –
From all who should wish me ill afar and anear,
Alone and in a multitude,
Against every cruel, merciless power,
That may oppose my body and my soul.

I arise today through God’s strength to pilot me.

Track Name: Of The Father's Love Begotten / Domus Ecclesia

OF THE FATHER’S LOVE BEGOTTEN / DOMUS ECCLESIA
13th century plainsong attributed to Prudentius
“Domus Ecclesia” music by Jeff Johnson

Of the Father’s love begotten, ere the worlds began to be,
He is Alpha and Omega, He the source, the ending He,
Of the things that are, that have been,
And that future years shall see, evermore and evermore!

Christ, to Thee with God the Father, and, O Holy Ghost, to Thee,
Hymn and chant with high thanksgiving, and unwearied praises be:
Honor, glory, and dominion,
And eternal victory, evermore and evermore!

Track Name: Christ Has Walked This Path

CHRIST HAS WALKED THIS PATH
Words & music by Jeff Johnson
For Mary & Doug

Christ has walked this path,
The path that we are on.
Angels walk with us,
The path that we are on.

Father, Son & Spirit keep us in Your hands,
And remind us that,
The path that we are on,
Christ has walked.
Christ has walked.

Track Name: Journey Prayer / Godric's Theme

JOURNEY PRAYER / GODRIC’S THEME
Words & music by Jeff Johnson

Father, bless to me this day,
And Jesus, bless to me this night,
Spirit, bless each hour of life,
Bless me, God of grace we pray.